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Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe

Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

This Black Forest Trifle is a festive and indulgent Christmas dessert combining layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and luscious whipped cream. Easy to assemble and perfect for holiday gatherings, this trifle showcases the classic flavors of Black Forest cake in a beautiful glass dish with a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cherries

  • 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
  • 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)

Other Layers

  • 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to package instructions or your homemade recipe. Allow the cake to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cake into roughly 1-inch bite-sized cubes to prepare for layering.
  2. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside the whipped cream for assembly.
  3. Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them while reserving the juice. If fresh, pit and chop the cherries. Combine the cherries with their juice or syrup and let them marinate briefly to enhance the flavor.
  4. Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, layer the bottom with chocolate cake cubes, pressing gently to create an even base. Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake. Spoon a layer of marinated cherries and some juice on top. Follow with a generous layer of whipped cream, smoothing it evenly. Repeat these layers—cake, pudding, cherries, whipped cream—until the dish is nearly full, finishing with a final whipped cream layer.
  5. Garnish and Chill: Decorate the top layer with dark chocolate shavings and a few cherries for a festive look. Optionally sprinkle cocoa powder for extra chocolate aroma. Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend and set the layers perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Use store-bought brownie or sponge cake for a quicker version.
  • Chill the trifle overnight for the best flavor and texture meld.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream by adding more or less powdered sugar to taste.
  • Fresh cherries work best when in season; canned cherries are a convenient alternative off-season.
  • To make homemade vanilla pudding, use your preferred recipe or mix.
  • The trifle can be assembled in individual glasses for easier portioning and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, Christmas dessert, chocolate trifle, layered dessert, holiday dessert, whipped cream, cherries, pudding

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/black-forest-trifle-for-christmas-recipe/